The Pitfalls of Using Abdelkader as the 2nd Line Center

by Michael Petrella on Dec 11, 2009 8:00 AM CST in Analysis/Reaction

I adore Justin Abdelkader. I think he works his butt off, and is one of the guys that has shown up night in and night out. Much has been made of his bump up to interim second line center, and - with the multitude of injuries this team has incurred - Uncle Mike had little choice. He made sure to remind us all that he's running short on centers.

I'm a numbers guy. I like to read stats and try to analyze what they could mean, and very often the answer is "nothing." But this Gator move didn't sit well, and not because I don't think he deserves a shot. Like I mentioned above, he's one of the guys that truly works his behind off for his teammates. But the numbers don't quite add up, and here's why...

The Red Wings pride themselves on being an effective puck-possession team, and that all starts in the faceoff circle. Six players have taken 150 or more faceoffs this season: Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, Darren Helm, Justin Abdelkader, Valtteri Filppula, and Kris Draper.

Prior to the Blues game, Abdelkader had the lowest faceoff percentage of any of these players, somewhere in the neighborhood of 42%. The rest were all above 50.

After one period, it was clear the faceoffs weren't going the Red Wings' way. Normally a very good team on the draw, Detroit found itself on the short end of a 20-6 faceoff differential, including 0-for-6 from #8. Now, one period does not a good center make, but not only was Abdelkader playing more minutes in his new role, he was also taking more draws, and against better artists. He finished the game 2-for-9, a woeful 22%. All in all, all the Red Wings had an off-night at the dot (except Darren Helm, who was 9-for-13), and Abdelkader's percentage has dropped to 41.8.

I know it's not Abdelkader's ideal spot in the lineup, and if all things went as planned, he was to spend the whole year in Grand Rapids. But I think it's clear he belongs in Detroit - he's a heck of a worker, and isn't afraid to head into the corners and along the boards. But to say he's the weakest draw-taker on the current squad would be an understatement.

Why not try Darren Helm in that spot? Perhaps its because Helm is penciled into that third/fourth line role, and that's where he should stay. Abdelkader is essentially a fill-in on this team, a place-holder of sorts. But if Babcock wants to possess the puck for every second that the top two lines are on the ice, he might want to consider someone else taking the draws.

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Much agreed sir

I would have no problem with Zetterberg and Datsyuk being on the same line if Filppula was able to take second line draw duties but he’s not. That being said, although I think that you can have great success with one incredible line more often than not games are won by the secondary and tertiary players. I think you can’t fault Abs for his work ethic but as you’ve said puck possession starts in the dot and he’s not getting it done right now.

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on Dec 11, 2009 8:13 AM CST reply actions

Don't ever doubt Mike Babcock

I think Mike Babcock’s biggest concern is shutting down the opposition first, then scoring goals. This is the most likely explanation for playing Gator as the #2 center.

Faceoff percentage is important, but Abelkader will only get better as he gains more experience. The important thing is he has the size and physical capabilities to go up against a scoring line and be able to keep them off the scoreboard.

I am a huge Helm fan but he’s more along the lines of a Jiri Hudler at this point, capable of wreaking all sorts of havoc on a third or fourth line. Gator is comparable to Valterri Filppula in that he can keep the Red Wings in the game by keeping the opponent off the scoreboard.

by gorillacrouch on Dec 11, 2009 10:14 PM CST reply actions

Helm's Speed

I know everyone loves the speed of the Drapper, Helm, Eaves line but I think Drapper should get moved up. Detroit wasting one of the best faceoff guys by having Drapper play as a winger for Helm and it makes no sense since Detroit is lacking centers! Drapper’s two best assets are his speed and his defense. The 2nd line is lacking both. Leino is the slowest Wing this year and his defense sucks. Bertuzzi is faster then most people think but he’s a power forward and he should stay within 5 feet of the goal at all times. Bertuzzi’s defense has been pretty good this year but it’s not anything special. Drapper seems to have refound his scoring touch and would add a lot to the 2nd line.

This would make the scoring lines look like this:
Datsyuk Zetterberg Holmstom
Leino Drapper Bertuzzi
Abdelkader Helm Eaves

At this point of their careers neither Abdelkader nor Helm are 2nd line material even as both project to be their eventually. Abdelkader’s BAD faceoff percentage should make him a prime candidate to get moved outside to replace Drapper.

by Kman23 on Dec 12, 2009 2:09 PM CST reply actions